If you’ve ever switched your checking account from one bank to another, you know the drill:
1️⃣ Walk into the new bank or visit their website.
2️⃣ Open the account.
3️⃣ Write a check to yourself — or better still, create an electronic transfer that happens overnight.
4️⃣ Done.
If only moving your brokerage accounts worked like that!
In reality, every account, every custodian — 401(k), 403(b), IRA, TSP — plays by its own rulebook. Some require “wet” signatures in blue ink. Others demand online authorizations. Some process transfers quickly, while others take the scenic route and seem to be waiting for a carrier pigeon to deliver your request.
And if you’re a woman, chances are this is just one more task on an already overflowing to-do list. You’re managing careers, caregiving, households, relationships, and everything in between. No wonder moving your investments has been sitting on the “I’ll get to it someday” list.
That’s exactly why we created The First 100 Days. Because while I can’t make every financial institution run on the same system or speed, I can make sure your experience is as seamless, supportive, and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Welcome & Paperwork Party (Days 1–14)
We begin with a Paperwork Party — a guided Zoom session where we complete every form together. You don’t have to interpret financial jargon or wonder if you’re doing it right. We’re sitting beside you (virtually), making sure every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed.
We also begin reviewing your account titling and noting any trust language we’ll need later, so everything stays aligned with your bigger life plan.
Step 2: Processing and Progress Updates (Days 15–30)
Your transfers officially go into motion. This is where we make sure every quirky requirement from your old accounts is handled — whether it’s online authorizations or original signatures.
If you currently have another advisor, we’ll help you say goodbye with confidence and kindness. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, “It’s not you, it’s me.” We have a gracious “Dear John” letter you can send, or we can be on the phone with you for moral support. You get to keep your dignity, and the process moves forward without unnecessary drama.
Meanwhile, you’ll receive weekly updates with our fun, visual 🍕 Pizza Tracker 🍕 so you’ll always know exactly where you are in the process. Think about ordering pizza for delivery:
-
Order received
-
Toppings added
-
Pizza in the oven
-
Quality check
-
On the way to your door
That’s exactly how you’ll see your account transfers progressing — from start to finish, without the guesswork.
Step 3: Onboarding and Online Access (Days 31–50)
Once your accounts arrive in their new home, we’ll meet for your formal onboarding Zoom.
-
We’ll set up your online account access together and make sure you know how to use it.
-
We’ll confirm every beneficiary designation is exactly as it should be.
-
We’ll review any trust titling needs and gather final documents.
This is where you start feeling like you’ve truly arrived — no loose ends, no uncertainty, just clarity and control.
Step 4: Statement Review and Check-In (Days 51–75)
When your first statement arrives, we’ll review it together to ensure:
-
Transfers posted correctly
-
Investments match our agreed-upon plan
-
No surprise fees or changes have popped up
We’ll also check for any lingering funds still sitting in your old accounts — whether it’s a few pennies of interest or a few hundred dollars of dividends — and make sure they find their way home to you.
Step 5: Celebrate and Look Ahead (Days 76–100)
By now, your transition is complete. We’ll confirm any last action items, welcome you officially into the Wise Women Prosper family, and take a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together.
From here forward, you’ll know exactly what to expect in our ongoing relationship. You’ll never wonder, “What’s happening with my accounts?” — and you’ll never have to go through a process like this without a trusted guide by your side.
Because Your Time, Energy, and Peace of Mind Matter
The First 100 Days isn’t just about moving money from one place to another. It’s about making a complicated process simple, understandable, and even empowering.
You already carry so much — this doesn’t have to be one more heavy thing. We’ll take the weight off your shoulders, keep you informed every step of the way, and make sure that by the end, you feel not just settled… but celebrated!
The commentary on this blog post reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Veronica Aguilera, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), or performance returns of any Foundations client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security, or any security. Foundations manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Foundations deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party
Comments
Post a Comment